The Mushroom Research Laboratory, operating under the Division of Plant Pathology at ICAR–Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), stands as a national leader and pioneering force in the field of mushroom science in India. Renowned for its work in mushroom biodiversity conservation, quality spawn production, training programs, and technological innovation, the lab is at the forefront of shaping a sustainable, nutrition-rich future through mushroom cultivation. With a clear mission to integrate mushrooms into mainstream Indian diets and contribute to the rural and urban economy, the lab’s efforts are strategically aligned to address some of the most pressing challenges faced by society today, including malnutrition, youth unemployment, women’s empowerment, climate change, and the wasteful burning of agro-residues.

Mushrooms, one of the planet’s oldest and most biologically diverse life forms, have fascinated humans for centuries. Historically, they have held a revered status across ancient civilizations, including Greek, Mayan, Indian, and Chinese cultures, for their culinary excellence, healing properties, and spiritual significance. While Western societies long remained cautious and often avoided mushrooms, cultures across Asia, including India, embraced them as part of their food systems and traditional medicine. However, despite this legacy, the modern Indian public remains largely unaware of the full nutritional, medicinal, and ecological potential that mushrooms offer.

At ICAR-IIHR, we bridge this gap by combining ancient wisdom with modern science. Our research and outreach are designed not only to develop efficient, clean, and low-cost mushroom cultivation methods, but also to promote widespread awareness about their benefits. Through state-of-the-art facilities, community-based training, and knowledge-sharing initiatives, we are working to make mushrooms widely accessible, economically viable, and socially accepted. This ensures they can contribute meaningfully to both national nutrition goals and grassroots entrepreneurship.